New IAT site - Feature Summary

Here's an abridged list of features of the new IAT website for staff to check out. These elements currently contain example content for demo purposes, so the major task for staff is to suggest ideas/preferences or provide actual content for use on the new, live site.

> Attractive, animated gallery for IAT to promote its key messages with an illustrative photo and concise description.

> Prominent promotional space for news, announcements or events that IAT wishes to highlight. Current examples: Summer school, Application deadlines, New Schools / Programs (e.g. Aviation College).

> Auto-generated presentation of latest news for each key audience on home page. E.g. Future Students, Current Students, etc. These are linked to the relevant News blogs (also auto-refreshed).

> On-site Media Gallery can display all types of pictures and videos which can be viewed in slideshows and integrated in content throughout the site.

> Fully-integrated IAT Google Calendar, allowing users to add individual events to their own calendar or subscribe to the whole calendar. They can then see these events or dates of interest in their calendar or Google home page and receive email reminders of them.

> Dynamic (auto-refreshes) ability to publish engaging content "libraries" that can expand over time. E.g. student or teacher profiles

> Sophisticated online applications form with ability to save applications and return, upload any required files, send automatic notifications, allow conditional questions and provide automatic, live graphical results.

> Development of much more informative, useful and attractive content and services.

> Full, flexible multilingual support allows the user to select their language only once and see any content that has been made available in their language while still seeing other content that hasn't been translated.

> Flexible Contacts directory listing both main contact points (e.g. admissions, feedback) and School listings. Includes online contact forms.

> Single, organised Downloads area allows any IAT area or school to make available any forms, documents or files for downloading. It is also possible to allow users to upload to these areas.

> Static and interactive maps provide visual details on our locations & how to get there. Virtual tours with Google Earth are useful for expatriate prospective staff or other non-local site users.

> Simple, web-based form creation tool allows all common types of forms to be published on the IAT site. E.g. For surveys, feedback, service requests, etc.

> Alternatively, for basic site interactivity and feedback, polls (with live results) are available.

> Dynamic content spaces can be used across the site to automatically refresh it, provide insights into IAT or publish content "nuggets". E.g. Education Quotes

> Gateway to all intranet services that are or will be available (webmail, HR system, student results). Secure content and services can also be published behind login access in client-specific portals. Separate application services can be easily integrated (e.g. Recruitment)

> RSS feeds allow users to receive relevant news on their home pages or using "live bookmarks".

> Best practice navigation including Quick Links visible at the top of all pages and a Keyword Search available in the left margin that automatically links all common searches with the relevant destination. E.g. Searching for "apply" takes you to the How to Apply page.

> Online visual representation of information that is efficiently linked with offline maintenance of it.

New Website - Unresolved Questions

These issues need to be resolved by the end of April:

1. How should the new IAT website affiliate itself with the U.A.E. government and any other institutions or agencies? E.g. Simple government logo with link to government website.

2. How much of the site will be available in both English and Arabic? If not every page/content, then what process will determine new content creation or editing?

3. How will the new IAT site be associated with related but separate websites like Emirates Skills? Suggest provide in-context summary from "Projects" section and link.

4. All IAT schools & branches should at least have overviews on the main site. However, some may (now or in the future) have specific web needs that are more extensive. Capability exists to create associated individual sub-sites but the operation of these will need to be discussed.

New IAT Prototype Online!

The prototype new IAT website is now available for all staff to review and commence actual publishing of their information and services.

Please see: http://www.new.iat-uae.com/

Stay tuned to the blog over the next few weeks as I will be providing direct links and further details and examples on the various new features available and suggested ideas.

New homepage photo competition!

Photos for the main graphic space on the homepage of the new website are currently being collected. The current examples used in the prototype can be viewed in this gallery

The photos chosen will be captioned and should reflect the main aspects, messages and selling points of IAT we wish to emphasise or promote.

Please send in your suggestions for the kind of pictures & themes we should use and we'll try and get an illustrative photo. Or if you have a suitable photo, just send it in.

These will be added to the gallery and the best ones will be selected.

Prizes

Apart from the pure joy of winning and having your idea or contribution on the new site - chocolate and gratitude in equal measures!

New IAT site design ideas

The prototype for what will become the new IAT website is in development and will be released in the next week to enable ongoing, active participation in the creation of the new site. Different examples or ideas will be able to be tested on a live, working site.

One of the first aspects to be settled on through the prototype will be the new site's design - its presentation, layout, graphics, style, etc.

Below are selected examples of design features you may wish to consider:

Attractive, engaging, nicely-organised homepages

> Cornell Uni

> Appalachian State Uni

> Azusa Pacific

> Goucher

Homepage main graphic area conveys key messages/themes well

> Azusa Pacific - Video features and photo slideshow that links to main content

> Singapore Polytechnic

> Boston Uni - modern & interactive main graphic area with video, pics, features & integrated content

> Carnegie Mellon undergrad - advanced interactive, visual content

> York Uni - homepage main visual space emphasises main difference ("selling point")

> Appalachian State Uni

Well-designed portals/gateways into site's with extensive info & services

> Lancaster Uni

> Allegheny College - compact, well-organised, gateway

> Uni of Brighton

> Ithaca College

> Baylor

Site design suits the type of organisation

> Cornish College of the Arts - large, art image gallery with contemporary art background.

> DIT Music & Drama

> Leeds School of Design

Simple, organisation of site into areas for each key site audience

> Cornell CALS - simple main menu organised by audience (prospective students, etc...) but also presents key topics (teaching, research, extension) separately.

Engaging, modern sites for students

> Biola undergrad

> Lancaster admissions

> Oberlin admissions

Vocational & Technical Sites conveying their focus, purpose & priorities

> Polytechnics Canada

> Singapore Polytechnic

Website Design Principles

The elements of effective website design which will be used to develop the new IAT website are outlined below (reference source) with conclusions about what they imply for IAT's new site design.

Content

Content is the information provided on the site - including text, sound, animation and video. Good content should be engaging, relevant, and appropriate for the audience. You can tell it's been developed for the Web because it's clear and concise and it works in the medium.

Structure and Navigation

Structure and navigation refers to the framework of a site, the organization of content, the prioritization of information, and the method in which you move through the site. Sites with good structure and navigation are consistent, intuitive and transparent. They allow you to form a mental model of the information provided, where to find things, and what to expect when you click. Good navigation gets you where you want to go quickly and offers easy access to the breadth and depth of the site's content.

Visual Design

Visual design is the appearance of the site. Good visual design is high quality, appropriate, and relevant for the audience and the message it is supporting. Visual design should be consistent in overall "feel" but also customized within individual spaces when the site is serving distinct, multiple audiences.

Functionality

Functionality is the use of technology on the site. Good functionality means the site works effectively in using contemporary website capability to provide information and services. It should load quickly and work regardless of the user's system or browser. The design and implementation of technology should be as intuitive as possible and enhance the typical user's experience and satisfaction - not the developer's.

Interactivity

Interactivity is the way that a site allows and encourages you to do something on it. Good interactivity facilitates the engagement of users by: (1) making content & services more engaging and interesting, (2) facilitating participation by users - whether getting in touch (enquiries), providing their input (polls, feedback) or obtaining services (forms & applications, directories, payments, etc).

Overall Experience

The overall experience encompasses content, structure & navigation, visual design, functionality, and interactivity, but it also includes the intangibles. The quality of the overall experience determines how long people stay on a site, whether they make an enquiry or participate, if they'll come back or refer the site to others, and, most importantly, whether they obtained what they were looking for.

Implications for new IAT website

> The visual design and interface of the new site should be re-created in an attractive and professional way that meets contemporary expectations.

> IAT needs to determine the main target audiences for its website. E.g. (1) prospective students and their parents, (2) prospective staff & partner organisations, (3) existing students & staff, (4) government, GHQ & community stakeholders.

> Information & service needs for these users that will be met through the new website to be fully identified. This will determine the scope & amount of detail to be made available on the website and also delineate between information to be provided on the website and the new intranet. E.g. For current staff.

> The content and functionality for delivering the required information and services on the new site needs to be created & developed in effective ways. Content cannot be simply copied from existing documents or sources. Delivering services online should also be done in effective ways - e.g. not just linking to a Word doc form but creating online forms that can be submitted directly through the site.

> For the information and services on the new site to accurately and effectively service site users, all content and services need to be connected with the relevant IAT organisation areas. E.g. Enquiries and applications from prospective staff with HR. Enquiries and applications from students/parents will connect with who? (a centralised point or a position in each School?)

> The structure & navigation of the site must: (1) make it extremely simple for all users to find the area, content & service of interest; (2) allow for a considerable amount of content to be made available without the site being confusing or overwhelming through efficient organisation & hierarchies; (3) enable the site to expand in scope as IAT grows while maintaining an effective structure; (4) allow re-use of content and services in separate areas or ways without creating duplication.

Curiosity Killed the Cat...

...but no enquirers about this project yet!

A few people have enquired as to what kind of websites I have created that are of a similar nature to IAT. The most recent project was for the Western Australian Dept. of Education & Training's international arm >> www.eti.wa.edu.au

If you want a brief overview, take a look at this slideshow (requires Flash) or this summary.

Of course, the new IAT site will be unique, but you may get some ideas as to possibilities. This blog will be linking to various exemplary websites and features. Do send us your own suggested examples and remember - all questions are most welcome!

IAT Site Review & Plans

Plans for the Current IAT Website

The IAT's current website is a first-generation site that has served its purpose, but was always going to be redeveloped or replaced when the opportunity arose. The new IAT website will be built from scratch and not a modification of the existing site. Hence, the focus of this project is not so much on issues with the current site, but what kind of new site (inclusive of all information & services) we would like to move to.

Nevertheless, a review of the current site is necessary in ensuring that all existing information and service needs being met are incorporated in the new site. This review has mostly been completed and will be used to update the high-level and detailed requirement tables for the new site. Discussions with the I.T. Dept are planned shortly after the 20th of Feb to confirm the full scope of all current website & associated online services.

However, if you have any queries about the plans for the current site and how your current activities on it will be affected, please contact us.

Comments & Input on Current IAT Site

Various feedback has been communicated on the current IAT site, most of it has emphasised the need for a new, contemporary site to be developed which supports all the needs of a modern education institution. All further input on new site requirements & ideas can be made through feedback on the relevant posts on this blog. However, if you have specific comments to make on the current site, just add them here.

Maps & Virtual Tours

There are various ways to provide visual information about IAT's campus locations - something which is important not just in better creating a sense of the Institution but also for prospective students & staff. Below, we'll take a look at a range of options. Please add your comments to let us know your preferences & ideas.

(Note: This topic is on maps & location info, a separate topic will cover images of campus facilities, programs, students, etc)

(1) PDF Maps

> Maps of campus locations with route info. Ex 1: HCT Ex 2: ZU Ex 3: Kent

(2) 2D Map Images

> Simple Campus Maps. Ex 1: EA

> Region, Country, City & Location Images. Ex 1: UOWD

> Interactive 2D Campus Maps. Ex 1: Bethel Ex 2: DU

(3) 3D Map Images

> Simple, 3D Static Campus Map. Ex 1: AUS Ex 2: USC

> Clickable 3D Campus Map. Ex 1: GAU

> Interactive 3D Campus Maps. Ex 1: Bethel (req Flash) Ex 2: LU

(4) Animated 360-degree Panorama Images

> Campus Overview Tours. Ex 1: UOWD

(5) Interactive Location Map Services

> Interactive Google Maps of Campuses. Ex 1: ASU Ex 2: SU Ex 3: ETI

(6) Interactive Virtual Tour Services

> Interactive Google Earth Campus Tour. Ex1: Bow Ex 2: ETI
For these you'll need to follow the instructions here

(7) Example Sites to Review

> Multiple map options. Ex 1: LU Ex 2: MBS

Site Look & Feel

We'd like your input on the presentation aspects of the new website. In this item, we'll be adding various design & presentation aspects to consider. Please add your comments and suggest examples of sites you think have very attractive and engaging designs.

(1) Homepage Simplicity vs Portal Approach

> Very simple & clean homepage. Ex 1: EAH

> Portal with windows & links to key info on homepage. Ex 1: ETI

> Portal with all major links on homepage. Ex 1: UOWD

> Portal with considerable info linked from homepage. Ex 1: DUC

> Portal with some content (e.g. news) on homepage. Ex 1: ZU

> Lots of content (e.g. news) on homepage. Ex 1: HCT

Submit your Requirement!

Submit your Requirement or Idea for the New Website & Services

Please add your ideas and requirements as comments to this post, which will be used to update the table below. Alternatively, you can email them to adrian.lobo@iat.ac.ae. The aim is to have all key requirements listed and prioritised here by the 3rd of March, so that solution analysis & recommendation can take place.

Types of Requirements
The table below is for capturing "high-level" requirements - things the new website & online services need to be able to do or support. More detailed requirements & suggestions (e.g. regarding the information to be available on the new website) are being added to a separate table, but feel free to send in either type.

Notes on Table
1. Any examples are generally listed in order from least sophisticated to most sophisticated.
2. "Requestor" is listed only if unique to a specific person/area.
3. "Difficulty" refers to the complexity of development.
4. "Analyst Recommendation" indicates the suggested approach by the Project Consultant (Adrian).

High-level Requirements for the New Website & Online Services

Requirement / Idea	Examples	Requestor	Priority	Diffic.	Analyst Recom.	Approved Outcome
Design & Presentation
Modern & attractive design, interface and appearance for brand new IAT site	Ex 1: NYU Ex 2: Appal Ex 3: Curtin		High	Medium	Develop
Flexible, easily modified and customized layouts for different parts of site			High	Medium	Develop
Site should facilitate content being easily re-used & shared between web & print media			Medium	Medium	Develop
Structure & Framework
Single, integrated, consistent site structure covering all parts of IAT's activities			High	Low	Develop
Any second-level sites (e.g. VEDC) or ones for associated initiatives (e.g. Emirates Skills) are to be associated in a consistent way			High	Low	Support both integrated and associated sites
Separation of content from presentation to allow simple, flexible & consistent presentation control			High	Low	Develop
Dynamic content generation available by default for most site aspects. E.g. News, directories, events, FAQs.			High	Low	Develop
Interface & Usability
Simple, unified and effective navigation system			High	Low	Develop
Ability to present main types of site users with separate "windows" (portals) into content			Medium	Low	Develop
Enable dynamic auto-generation of portal spaces for separate areas of the site. E.g. Schools vs Projects			Medium	Low	Develop
Highly effective simple and advanced search capability			High	Low	Develop
Print friendly views of all main content areas and support for saving pages or auto-generated PDFs			Medium	Low	Develop
Automatic sitemap generation to allow users an efficient alternative to navigate the site			Medium	Low	Develop
Automatic "breadcrumb" pathways generated on each page (show exactly where one is and allow simple backtracking)			Medium	Low	Develop
Quick Links dropdown navigation to most popular areas always visible on site			High	Low	Develop
Content Management
Majority of site content to be able to be created or modified "live" using the web browser			Medium	Low	Develop
Enable lay end-users to create quality content without requiring knowledge of web languages			High	Low	Develop
Allows the same source content to be re-used and customized (in layout, presentation, etc) for different audiences or purposes			Medium	Low	Develop
Enables live website users (students, staff, partners) to be able to submit certain types of content			Medium	Low	Develop
Readily supports publishing all standard types of multimedia content - inc text, data, graphics, audio, animation and video			High	Low	Develop
All types of content can be subject to content approval and editorial processes			Medium	Low	Develop
Can schedule content to display only during certain periods or for defined timeframes			Low	Low	Develop
Content archiving including automated expiration			Low	Low	Develop
Advanced content creation possible through full "source" editing in browser (i.e. HTML, Javascript, etc)			High	Low	Develop
Content aggregation possible through integratable web services or syndication feeds			Low	Low	Develop
Online Services
News & stories database that can be used to provide magazine-style publishing for different audiences			High	Low	Develop
Site to readily incorporate advanced, automated map & location capability			Medium	Medium	Develop
Easily organised and accessed media galleries for picture and video content			High	Low	Develop
Flexible, dynamic events calendar that can be used for distinct client groups (important dates, student activities, projects, etc)			Medium	Medium	Develop
Searchable directory listings for staff, students, projects, etc.			High	Medium	Develop
Readily supports multiple languages being used for site content	1. Mixed on site 2. Specific pages with translations 3. Different sites 4. Fully integrated language translation function		High	Medium	Example 4
Allow prospective students (or their parents) to register interest in schools/programs			High	Low	Develop
Ability to accept student applications online through an electronic form			High	Medium	Develop
Capacity to easily process online applications by feeding forms into student database			Low	High	Need to establish student database
Permission-based Downloads section for making available any type of downloadable content. E.g. forms, media, project files			High	Low	Develop
Student testimonials & profiles database that can be dynamically used on site			Medium	Low	Develop
FAQ database that allows easy creation & management of FAQs for site users, especially students			Medium	Low	Develop
Simple and flexible Contact Us/Feedback forms to be able to be used for different purposes.			High	Low	Develop
Flexible staff recruitment capability allowing for advertising positions, taking applications and managing process			High	Medium	Develop
Fully-customizable online poll/survey tools incorporating creation, deployment, management & results			Medium	Medium	Develop
Advanced links directory with efficient browsing, search and management			Medium	Low	Develop
Highly-usable discussion forums providing for various types of virtual communities. E.g. For new & current students or staff.			Low	Low	Determine need?
Generic, flexible newsletter capability.			Low	Medium	Determine need?
Searchable, online program catalogue that can provide all course details & functions required for prospective & current students			Medium	Medium	Develop
Able to dynamically manage visual spaces for promotions or marketing			High	Low	Develop
Live Chat tool enabling interactive communication. E.g. Can be used to provide real-time services			Low	Medium	Unlikely to be used
Online "bookshop" for selling relevant curriculum or resources			Low	High	Not yet
Login-based alumni services. E.g. Further study options, employment links, alumni forums			Low	Medium	Depends on org support
Can syndicate content easily for usage on other sites			Low	Low	Develop
Dynamic, visual pathway tool to allow charting of study pathways			Low	Medium	?
Other Functionality & Capability
Fully-customizable tool allowing creation of either standardized or ad-hoc online forms or templates.			Medium	Medium	Develop
Ability to create promotional templates for site pages that can be re-used continuously. E.g. See country or agent advertising			High	Low	Develop
Supports multiple, definable user groups with login access to relevant parts of site (content or function)			High	Low	Develop
Users (internal or external) to be able to login and be delivered targeted info/services and obtain personalized experience			High	Low	Develop
Login-based extranet capability - e.g. for corporate partners or clients; government.			Medium	Low	Develop
Administration & Usage
Entire site and applications to be able to be easily configured and administered			High	Low	Develop
Simple deployment of customization & extensions			Medium	Low	Develop
Site to contain effective Help section for users			Medium	Medium	Develop
Can enable notifications for various types of content or administration operations (e.g. application submission, content approval, new user registration)			High	Low	Develop
Application is well-documented and has end-user support			High	Medium	Develop
Well established knowledge base and support community			High	Low	Develop
Automated, refined statistics and reporting on site usage and traffic			Medium	Low	Develop
Accessibility & Standards
Compliant with contemporary Web Standards as defined by W3C			Medium	Medium	Develop
Designed to support Web Accessibility Guidelines			Medium	Medium	Develop
Supports all W3C-compliant browsers (including IE, Firefox, Safari and Opera) on Windows, Mac or other common platforms			High	Medium	Develop
Performance, Reliability & Security
Site uptime to be over 99% with no recurrent access problems			High	Low	Develop
Site pages and content to load fast even with high traffic			High	Low	Develop
Enables efficient backing up and restoration of site content			High	Low	Develop
Audit trails available for content creation or site modification			Low	Low	Develop
Compliant with all relevant legal & statutory requirements & guidelines.			High	Low	Develop
Core & extension application development is sustainable and not overly dependent on a particular developer			High	Medium	Develop
Application technology is modern, scalable and robust (platform, web server, application framework, CMS, databases, API)			High	Low	Develop
Web Presence
Site pages able to be easily found on the internet through search engines			High	Low	Develop
New site linked to all partners and sites of relevance in most appropriate way (e.g. sub-section or specific page)			Medium	Low	Develop

IAT Website Project Outline

Project Overview

The Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) has initiated a project to develop a new website and associated online services that will provide modern, comprehensive and integrated capability to support all parts of the organisation and key strategic goals.

Project Goals, Rationale & Benefits

> Creation of an online profile and image that reflects the scale, capability, achievements and ambitions of IAT, and positions it within the Middle East as a high quality, first-choice provider of education & training.

> Development of a website that can cover the full scope of IAT's current & future activities in a coherent way - allowing all desired information and services to be made available online by all parts of the organisation.

> Providing an online environment with the capacity to allow IAT to effectively engage with and service students & parents, commercial and government clients, industry, project & service partners and prospective & current staff.

> Embedding online information & services into the relevant activities of IAT's core businesses (teaching & learning, marketing & promotion, student & client services, partner & stakeholder liaison and communication, business development, projects & commercial services, management of corporate knowledge, etc) so that these operate in the most efficacious way.

> Facilitating the growth of quality student recruitment and the development of desirable project opportunities through an attractive online presence with the ability to deliver the necessary information & services.

> Enabling IAT to operate efficiently, even as it continues to expand, through utilisation of its developed online capability.

> Allowing its management and key stakeholders - particularly in the UAE government - to readily assess the full scope and current progress & effectiveness of its activities.

> Providing IAT with the online capability to improve the overall usefulness, flexibility, responsiveness and accessibility of its services - both educational and corporate - and meet the information & service expectations of its stakeholders.

Project Scope

The full scope of this project includes all activities required (from planning & requirement determination to development, implementation & usage) to meet the objectives outlined above. To make this substantial undertaking manageable, the project will likely be split into three distinct phases:

Phase 1: Research, consultation, analysis, scoping, solution recommendation & selection, and creation of necessary plans, documentation and specifications/examples.

Phase 2: Development of the chosen online solutions and integration with relevant business activities and functions.

Phase 3: Implementation and ongoing effective utilization and refinements of the developed solutions.

Project Timeframes & Chief Milestones

*Draft only

	Key Milestones
Phase 1 8th Feb - 5th Mar	- Finalization of requirement consultation (1st Mar) - Finalization of project scope & plan (1st Mar) - Completion of requirement specification (2nd Mar) - Selection of recommended solutions (3rd Mar) - Creation of desired solution examples (5th Mar)
Phase 2 6th Mar - 31st May	- Creation of approved IAT site design & structure (9th Mar) - Development of new IAT prototype site & services (31st Mar) - Completion of all development activities & testing (31st April) - Confirmation of organisation areas & staff with ongoing website-related activities. E.g. content maintenance, online service provision. Training commencement. (15th May) - Completion of operational production site with initial content (31st May)
Phase 3 1st June - Ongoing	- Confirmation of initial go-live content & service requirements (1st June) - Completion of initial staff training & administration/support arrangements - Launch of new site (replacement of existing site) - Post-launch review & assessment of achievement of project goals - Ongoing content addition and refinement

Project Staff

Project Consultant: Adrian Lobo. Dubai Campus (A217). Email: adrian.lobo@iat.ac.ae

Project Manager: Phil Rutherford. Deputy Director Operations. Dubai Campus. Email: phillip.rutherford@iat.ac.ae

Other IAT staff will be involved in various activities and stages of this project. Please see the How to Get Involved post to find out how you can contribute to the project or to see an updated list of those who are.

Project Resources

Sufficient Financial, Human, Physical and Information resources will be needed for the various phases of this project. The availability of personnel with the relevant skills to be assigned to the project in the various phases is likely to be the major factor determining the realisation of the objectives outlined. This is of particular relevance to Phases 2 & 3.

Project Stakeholders

Stakeholders include: IAT Board, Management & Staff (including teachers), IAT students & clients, UAE Government & partners, UAE community.

Project Partners (Necessary & Potential)

Other organisations that may be involved in this project are to be identified and listed here.

Project Methodology

This project is following best practice project management standards and guidelines and all documentation is available upon request. Examples of the type of methodology being followed can be found here

Standards, Guidelines & Compliance

All UAE Government, accreditation or other regulatory standards or guidelines that relate to this project are to be identified and noted here.

Project Execution Plan & Documentation

A more detailed list of project activities will be available for each Phase on this project blog. A list for Phase 1 has been published.

Project Outputs/Deliverables

The main deliverable will be a completely new website with integrated online services that provide IAT with the capability to attain the project goals outlined.

Criteria for Measuring Project Success

This will involve: (a) Assessment of the satisfaction of various stakeholders; (b) Measurement of relevant business objectives (e.g. student enrolments or staff recruitment).

Project Risks & Mitigation Strategies

Any significant risks and strategies for reducing or resolving them are to be listed here as they arise.

Related Projects & Initiatives

Any related IAT or external projects that are identified are to be noted here.